A Linux-Powered Gun With Lasers And Wi-Fi

Everything’s getting smarter as computers get smaller. A company in Austin, Texas called TrackingPoint built a gun that runs Linux. It has lasers and Wi-Fi to connect with an app for precise shooting at long distances (up to 1,200 feet).

TrackingPoint calls the riffle a “Precision Guided Firearm” (PGF).

According to the company, it’s the most accurate shooting system in the world. It takes away the skill needed to aim well so that even first time hunters can precisely hit a target.

The system combines a traditional rifle, precision loaded bullets, a networking tracking scope, a tag button, and a guided trigger.

It works when the shooter tags the target by pinning a virtual red dot on it. The red dot remains in place even the target and riffle moves around. The scope calculates a firing solution. The shooter pulls the trigger, but the gun only fires when the shot is perfectly aligned with the tagged target.

The onboard Linux computer housed in the scope, processes and streams live video to the ShotView app. Video and voice audio can be recorded on an iPhone or iPad. Videos and stills can then be shared from the app on social media.

According to Ars Technica, the built-in ARM-powered computer runs a “modified version of Angström Linux (with some custom BitBake recipes and kernel modules to support the rifle’s proprietary hardware).”

I’ve never shot a gun in my life. I’m not against it, I’m just not interested in learning how to shoot or in going outside. With this system, I could go out and hunt a deer with no shooting experience.

The neatest thing about the TrackingPoint system is that hunters can execute more “ethical kills.”

Hunters I know respect the animals that give their lives so we can eat meat. They don’t want the animals so suffer beyond what’s necessary. A more precise shot means a hunter can target a vital organ so the animal dies faster.

The riffles start at $17,000, and TrackingPoint is almost sold out for 2013.